Speaking From Experience. Leading With Purpose.
Keynote Speaches
Served as a Plenary Keynote Speaker for the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) in Seattle, Washington. In the featured address, “From Crisis to Compassion: Rethinking Mental Health in Foster Care,” Karlos challenged professionals to center lived experience, trauma-informed practice, and compassionate reform in the mental health care of youth impacted by foster care.
With over 450,000 foster kids in the US foster system, at some point, you will run into one. You might actually be friends/coworkers, or a partner to one of the 23,000 adult foster kids who age out of the system. Have you ever thought about how they see life differently because of the absence of family most of their lives? I am a foster adult who survived dozens of foster homes, but even as an adult, I have to educate my friends and partner on how to become a “Friend of a Foster Child”
Bring Lived Experience Into the Room
Organizations and agencies across the country are asking how to strengthen their teams, better serve families, and help reimagine today’s child welfare system in ways that are ethical, effective, and truly child-centered.
Real change requires more than policy conversations. It requires listening to the people who have lived through the systems we are working to improve.
By inviting adoptees and former foster youth into the conversation, your organization creates space for honest dialogue, deeper understanding, and practical change. Karlos brings lived experience, professional insight, and powerful storytelling to help teams move beyond good intentions and toward meaningful action.
Book Karlos in 3 Steps
1. Share Your Event Details
Complete the inquiry form below. Karlos or a member of his team will connect with you to discuss your event, audience, goals, and any specific topics or challenges your organization would like addressed.
2. Reserve Your Date
Once your event details are confirmed, reserve your selected date with a refundable deposit.
3. Create Lasting Impact
Watch your team’s vision come to life through a keynote experience that challenges assumptions, strengthens understanding, and helps build better outcomes for the young people, families, and communities depending on your services.
Please complete the form below to begin the booking process.